Lightened Up Baked Feta Pasta Bake
Introduction: Embark on a culinary journey that harmoniously combines the internet sensation of Baked Feta Pasta with the health-conscious principles of Weight Watchers. This Lightened Up Baked Feta Pasta Bake is a testament to the idea that you can relish in the viral food trend while staying true to your wellness goals. By thoughtfully selecting ingredients and making mindful choices, this dish offers a delightful compromise between flavor and health.

Ingredients: The success of this Lightened Up Baked Feta Pasta Bake lies in the strategic selection of ingredients, ensuring a delectable result without compromising on the Weight Watchers points. Each element contributes to the overall appeal of the dish:

Cherry Tomatoes:
Bursting with natural sweetness, cherry tomatoes become the star of the show.
Roasting intensifies their flavors, creating a robust tomato sauce.
Reduced-Fat Feta Cheese:
A healthier alternative to traditional feta, the reduced-fat version maintains creaminess.
It adds a tangy richness to the sauce while keeping the dish points-friendly.
Whole Wheat Pasta:
Opting for whole wheat pasta introduces additional fiber, enhancing the nutritional content.
The wholesome pasta contributes to a satisfying texture without compromising on points.
Fresh Herbs:
Elevate the dish with a medley of fresh herbs, including basil and oregano.
The herbs impart an aromatic complexity, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Garlic and Olive Oil:
A foundation of garlic and a touch of olive oil create a flavorful base.
These ingredients add depth to the dish without excessive calories.
Cooking Instructions: Navigate the culinary process with finesse to bring this Lightened Up Baked Feta Pasta Bake to fruition:

Preheat the Oven:
Begin the culinary adventure by preheating the oven, setting the stage for the tomatoes to undergo a transformative roasting process.
Prepare the Ingredients:


Toss cherry tomatoes with minced garlic, a drizzle of olive oil, and a sprinkling of herbs.
Arrange the tomatoes around a block of reduced-fat feta in a baking dish, creating a visually appealing and flavorful foundation.
Roast to Perfection:
Let the tomatoes and feta roast in the oven until the tomatoes blister and release their juices.
The feta becomes irresistibly creamy, forming a luscious sauce that will coat the pasta.
Cook the Whole Wheat Pasta:
Meanwhile, cook whole wheat pasta until it reaches a delightful al dente texture.
Combine and Final Bake:
Mix the roasted tomato and feta concoction with the cooked pasta in the baking dish, ensuring an even distribution.
Return the dish to the oven for a final bake, allowing the flavors to meld together into a cohesive and mouthwatering ensemble.
Garnish and Serve:
As a finishing touch, garnish the pasta bake with additional fresh herbs and a sprinkle of black pepper.
Serve this culinary masterpiece with pride, showcasing the perfect blend of taste, texture, and health-conscious choices.
Conclusion: In conclusion, this Lightened Up Baked Feta Pasta Bake is a delightful compromise for those seeking a balance between viral food trends and Weight Watchers adherence. Revel in the robust flavors, comforting warmth, and guilt-free enjoyment of a dish that exemplifies the marriage of culinary excellence and health-conscious decision-making. It’s a celebration of flavor, demonstrating that wellness goals and culinary indulgence can coexist harmoniously on your plate.

Ingredients
16 oz. or 1 lb. uncooked pasta- I use fiber gourmet or barilla plus pasta-but any
pasta will work or even cooked spaghetti squash or zucchini noodles
2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 Tbsp dry white cooking wine
2 pints cherry or grape tomatoes, preferably different colors
8 oz. feta-chunk/block *see notes
2 cloves or 2 tsp garlic, minced
pinch red pepper flakes
3 Tbsp fresh basil leaves, chopped
salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
YIELD: 8
Place the block of feta cheese in the center of a 9×13-inch or 3-quart baking
dish. Arrange cherry tomatoes around the cheese.
Drizzle the olive oil and white cooking wine over the tomatoes and feta
cheese, ensuring the tomatoes have been tossed with a little bit of oil.
Sprinkle the top of the feta with minced garlic, fresh basil, red pepper flakes,
salt and pepper.
Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes.
After it’s baked for 35 minutes, turn the broiler on high and broil for 2-4
minutes or until the top of the feta has a golden crust to it and tomatoes
begin to blister and pop.
Meanwhile, cook the pasta to al dente per the package directions. I
recommend adding a bit of salt to the water for added flavor. I recommend
reserving a cup of the pasta cooking water to add into the feta tomato
mixture pasta to help thin out the sauce.
Drain and set aside.
Mash feta and tomatoes using the back of a fork.
Add the cooked pasta and/or 1 cup cooked chicken, shrimp, or Italian
sausage crumbles, for additional points and if desired.
If sauce is too thick, feel free to add some reserved pasta water to thin sauce,
if desired.
Notes
2 oz uncooked equals about 1 cup cooked or about 5 oz cooked.
Block or chunk feta cheese works best and melts nicely. That’s because the
block is less processed and will give a more melty consistency when baked. If
you can’t find the block feta cheese- you can use crumbled feta. Regular,
reduced fat, and fat free feta would work. President Cheese brand makes a fat
free chunk feta cheese.
Nutrition Information: YIELD: 8 Amount Per Serving: CALORIES: 238 TOTAL FAT: 9g SATURATED FAT: 4g CHOLESTEROL: 15mg SODIUM: 484mg CARBOHYDRATES: 48g NET CARBOHYDRATES: 27g FIBER: 21g SUGAR: 3g PROTEIN: 14g